Motorized bed base, slat module and bed

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a bed base ( 7 ) with at least one motorized slat module ( 3 ), comprising at least one slat row ( 32 ) for carrying a mattress, and an electrical motor ( 31 ) and mechanical transmission means for moving the slat row ( 32 ) in height direction of the bed base, and an electrical control circuit and a control means ( 5 ) for controlling the motor ( 31 ). The invention also relates to a motorized slat module ( 3 ) and a ted ( 1 ).

DOMAIN OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a bed base with a motorized slat module.

The invention also relates to a motorized slat module, and to a bedcomprising such bed base.

BACKGROUND ART

Beds are generally known. A standard bed usually consists of a bed base(also called mattress support) and a mattress which is placed on the bedbase, wherein the bed base functions as supporting structure forsupporting the mattress at a predefined height above the ground.Frequently used bed bases in the year 2010 are: a slat base, a boxspring, a spiral base or a plate base.

A disadvantage of the known beds/bed bases is however that the bed basecannot be easily adapted to the needs of the person lying upon it.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a bed base that can beadapted in a user-friendly way to the specific characteristics (such ase.g. the sleep position, length, body weight) of the user.

This goal is achieved by a bed base with the features of the firstclaim.

Thereto the bed base according to the present invention comprises atleast one motorized slat module, wherein the motorized slat modulecomprises at least one slat row for carrying a mattress, and anelectrical motor and mechanical transmission means for moving the slatrow in height direction of the bed base, and wherein the bed basecomprises an electrical control circuit and a control means (e.g. aremote control) for controlling the motor.

By using a motorized slat module, it is possible to adjust the height ofone or more slat row in an easy and user-friendly way with minimaleffort, even when the mattress is placed on the bed base and even whenthe user is lying on the mattress. This is not possible with the knownsystems where a person first needs to get out of the bed, then has tolift or shift the mattress, and then adjust the setting (if present atall), where after he can place the mattress again, lie down upon it andonly then can feel whether the setting is better or worse. With the bedbase of the invention choosing an optimal setting is very easy, fast,end requires little effort. Moreover it is very easy to determinewhether small adjustments of the position are better or worse. In thisway e.g. the optimal position in which the body can come to completerest, or the optimal position wherein the pressure on a wound isminimal, can be easily found.

By moving the slat row in a direction substantially transverse to thebed base, i.e. in the height direction of the bed base or the bed,minimal shear or friction forces are exerted on a mattress placed on thebed base, so that it is subjected to minimal wear. Also, the mattressand the person ore only moved in the height direction, so that theirposition relative to the head and foot part of the bed base remainssubstantially unchanged, and the mattress is not pushed down the bedbase.

It should be noted that the advantages applicable to a bed base are ofcourse also valid for a bed comprising such a bed base.

By making use of the control means, the user can lie in any position(e.g. on his left side or his right side, or his back) and set theheight of the motorized slat row. Such a control means is much more userfriendly than e.g. a series of buttons at the head end or at a side ofthe bed, since the user is not required to take a special position to beable to operate the buttons, e.g. by stretching his arms. Since this isnot the same position as the sleeping position, such buttons do notallow the optimal setting.

Thanks to the control means the user is thus able, without help fromothers, and while using the bed base (thus while he/she is lying on thebed) to adjust the height of the slat rows himself according to his/herpreference (body length, weight, sleeping profile, etc). This is notpossible with known systems. The bed according to the present inventionthus clearly provides much larger ease of use.

Preferably the slat row comprises two slat holders for holding a slat,wherein each slat holder is connected to a slide which is moveable inheight direction in a guide connected to a side board of the bed base,and wherein the slide is connected to a rotatable shaft driven by themotor via an eccentric mechanical transmission, such that a rotationalmotion of the shaft is converted into a linear motion of the slat. Inthis way, a rotating shaft motion is converted into a linear motion inan elegant, compact and robust manner. Preferably, the eccentricconnections are located on the shaft as far apart as possible, so that avery stable position of the slats is obtained, and so that deflection ofthe slats (e.g. under the weight of a person) is not impeded. Thanks tothe eccentric mechanical transmission connected to the rotatable shaft,the slat row will perform an up and down movement (e.g. substantiallysinusoidal) when the motor is running at a constant speed. This allowsthe control of such movements to be greatly simplified, since the motore.g. need not run forward and backward alternately. Moreover, a motorrunning at a constant speed creates less noise than s motor which isrepeatedly stopped. This is particularly advantageous while sleeping,resting or relaxing.

Preferably, the bed base comprises a memory for storing at least one setposition of the motor in the memory upon a first (e.g. “store”) commandof the control means, and for retrieving a stored position from thememory and for returning to that position upon a second command (e.g.“get”) of the control means. In this way the user can in an easy way(e.g. literally “by a push on the button”) make the bed base return to apreviously set position.

Preferably, the bed base is provided for easy storage of and returningto one or more preferred positions, e.g. one tuned position for lying onthe back, one tuned position for lying on the left side, and one tunedposition for lying on the right side. In this way, the bed base is evenmore user friendly because in this way the user can very easily andquickly change the ideal position of the bed base depending on the lyingposition he wants to take. This is not possible or not practical withknown bed bases, where in practice only one fixed position can be setmechanically.

In a preferred embodiment the slat module comprises two neighbouringslat rows, namely a first and a second slat row, and two motors, namelya first and a second motor.

In an embodiment the first slat row is driven by the first motor foradjusting the height of the first slat row, and the second slat row isdriven by the second motor for adjusting the height of the second slatrow. In other words, each slat row is driven by its own motor. Dependingon the configuration of the electrical control circuit and/or thecontrol means, the two motors may be driven independently, orsimultaneously.

By using two motors, smaller motors may be used, and the bed base hasmore degrees of freedom for the height-settings, so that a fine-tuningis possible. Depending on the embodiment these two motors may be drivene.g. separately, in one or two rotation directions, at the same speed orat different speeds. In an embodiment, the control means has twopush-buttons per motor for this purpose: “forward” and “backward”. Toreduce the complexity, in an embodiment the motors can rotate in onlyone direction, and one button per motor suffices on the control means.To further reduce complexity, the motors may also be drivensimultaneously, e.g. both forward or both backward, of the one forwardand the other backward. In this embodiment, one button for two motors issufficient.

In another embodiment of the bad base, the height of first ends of thefirst and the second slat row is adjusted by the first motor, and secondends of the first and the second slat row are adjusted by the secondmotor. With such a slat module it is possible to place the slats underan angle with respect to the horizontal, which may e.g. be useful fordisplacing the pressure on the body.

When the two motors are furthermore driven continuously andsubstantially in opposite phase, the slat rows are tilted to create arocking effect, which works very soothing.

In an embodiment, the slat module comprises two neighbouring slat rowsand only one motor for simultaneously adjusting the two neighbouringslat rows.

By using one motor instead of two motors cost savings can be achieved(the price of the motor is a substantial component of the total price ofthe slat module). In addition also the control thereof can besimplified, in relation to control electronics as well as to itscontrol. Furthermore, the risk of failure is hereby also reduced. By aclever choice of the mechanical transmission, there are sufficientdegrees of freedom for the user to obtain a desired ergonomic heightsetting, or rather a desired combination of the height settings of thetwo neighboring slat rows.

In an embodiment, the bed base is furthermore provided for controllingthe two neighboring slat rows in such a way that during operation of themotors the slat rows move in substantially opposite directions, thismeans one upwards and the other downwards. This corresponds to a phaseshift of the shafts of substantially 180°.

In another embodiment, the slat module is furthermore provided forcontrolling the two neighboring slat rows in such a way that duringfunctioning of the motor the slat rows move in substantially the samedirection, this means both upwards or both downwards. This correspondsto a phase shift of the shafts of substantially 0°.

In an embodiment, the bed base has at least two slat modules, and theelectrical control circuit and/or the control means is adapted fordriving the at least two slat modules simultaneously.

Preferably, the electrical control circuit thereby comprises a dynamicoperation mode in which the at least two slat modules are controlled forcreating a wave movement.

Tests have surprisingly shown that by jointly controlling at least twomotorized slat modules a wave is provided which creates a very relaxedfeeling to the person lying on the bed with this bed base.

An embodiment of the bed base according to the invention has threemotorized slat modules, positioned substantially near to the head orneck zone, the lumbar zone, and the thigh zone of the bed base.

Another embodiment of the bed base according to the invention has threemotorized slat modules, positioned substantially near the head or neckzone, the lumbar zone, and the knee zone of the bed base. Tests haveshown that locating the motorized slat modules near the other zones (seeFIG. 2B) has a less calming effect on the person, therefore a bed basewith three or four motorized slat modules is an optimal compromisebetween low cost (the less motors, the cheaper) and optimal calmingeffect due to the ergonomic setting (the more motors, the more degreesof freedom).

Another embodiment of the bed base according to the invention has fourmotorized slat modules positioned substantially near the head or neckzone, the lumbar zone, the thigh zone and the knee zone of the bed base.This embodiment has one more degree of freedom, and is experienced intests as highly enjoyable. This embodiment combines the advantages ofthe preceding embodiments, namely a higher flexibility especially in thelower body part, albeit at a somewhat higher cost.

Optionally the bed base has one or more position sensors, coupled withthe electrical control circuit, for measuring the position of the slatrows, or for measuring an angular position of the motorized shaft.

Optionally, the bed base has one or more pressure sensors, coupled withthe electrical control circuit, for measuring a pressure exerted on theslats.

Preferably, the electrical control circuit comprises a processor forcontrolling the motor(s) around a working point, such that the motorsperform a predetermined angular displacement around the working point,e.g. with a predetermined amplitude, e.g. less than 60°, preferably lessthan 45°, more preferably less than 30°. In this way small variationsaround a given working point, e.g. around one of the preferred positionsretrieved from the memory, may be obtained. This may e.g. be useful forpreventing bedsores by slightly displacing the pressure, withoutdeviating too much from the preferred position.

Preferably, the processor is also provided with an algorithm forretrieving from the memory the preferred position which deviates theleast from the current position, choosing the retrieved position asworking point, and performing a number of predetermined angulardisplacements around that working point, or during a certain period.

It is also an aim of the invention to provide a motorized slot modulefor such bed base.

Preferably, the set position of the at least one slat row is visiblyreadable. This allows the user to set the bed base back to a knownposition afterwards in a simple and quick way. This also allows to setanother similar bed (e.g. in a hotel or in another room) to exactly thesame position.

It is also an aim of the invention to provide a bed with such bed base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is further elucidated by the description below and theaccompanying figures of preferred embodiments. Note that the figures arenot necessarily drawn to scale. The figures are intended to explain theprinciples of the invention. Same elements are as far as possible giventhe same reference over the different drawings. The person skilled inthe art may combine different features from the different drawings.

FIGS. 1A-1D show bed bases known in the art.

FIG. 1A shows a flat bed base which is not adjustable in height.

FIGS. 1B and 1C show a bed base with an adjustable head end and anadjustable foot end.

FIG. 1D shows a bed base like that of FIG. 1C, which is furtheradjustable in height in its entirety.

FIG. 2A shows the principle of a bed base according to the presentinvention, with a person (the mattress is omitted for illustrativepurposes).

FIG. 2B shows the principle of the bed of FIG. 2A with an indication ofsome zones of the human body.

FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of a slat base according to the inventionwith three motorized slat modules, with two motors each, in side view.

FIGS. 3B-3J show detailed drawings of several possible positions of themotorized slat modules of FIG. 3A, in side view, wherein the shafts havea fixed angular difference of 180° relative to each.

FIG. 4 shows in perspective view a first preferred embodiment of amotorized slat module according to the invention, in exploded view.

FIG. 5A shows a top view of the module of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C show the module of FIG. 5A in side view.

FIGS. 6A-6E show a second preferred embodiment of a motorized slatmodule according to the invention with a single motor and externalgears, in left side view, top view, front view, bottom view and rightside view respectively.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a motorized slat module of the slatbase of FIGS. 6A-6E, in exploded view.

FIG. 8A shows an embodiment of a slat base according to the invention,with four motorized slat modules according to FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 8B-8J show detailed drawings of several possible positions of themotorized slat modules of FIG. 8A, in side view.

FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of amotorized slat module according to the invention, in exploded view.

FIGS. 9B-9D show the motorized slat module of FIG. 9A, respectively, intop view, front view and side view.

FIG. 10 shows a preferred embodiment of the motor of the motorized slatmodule of FIG. 9A, in exploded view.

FIG. 11A shows an embodiment of a slat base according to the invention,with four single-motor modules according to FIG. 9A.

FIGS. 11B-11K show detailed drawings of several possible positions ofthe motorized slat modules of FIG. 9A, in side view.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show a slat base according to the invention, withposition indicators, respectively in side view and perspective view.

FIG. 13A shows a preferred embodiment of a remote control with sixbuttons for controlling a slat base with three modules each containingtwo motors.

FIG. 13B shows a preferred embodiment of a remote control with fourbuttons for controlling a slat base with three modules each containingonly one motor.

FIG. 13C shows a preferred embodiment of a remote control as shown inFIG. 13B, where the set position can be stored, or can be retrieved.

FIGS. 14A-14C show a perspective view of a plate base according to thepresent invention, with four single-motor modules, where the two shaftsshow an angular difference of 180°, and one shaft shows an angle of 0°to the Z axis.

FIGS. 15A-15C show in perspective view the plate base of the FIGS.14A-14C, where the one shaft shows an angle of 45° to the Z axis.

FIGS. 16A-16C show in perspective view the plate base of the FIGS.14A-14C, where the one shaft shows an angle of 90° to the Z axis.

FIGS. 17A-17C show in perspective view the plate base of the FIGS.14A-14C, where the one shaft shows an angle of 135° to the Z axis.

FIGS. 18A-18C show in perspective view the plate base of the FIGS.14A-14C, where the one shaft shows an angle of 180° to the Z axis.

FIGS. 19A-19D show in more detail an embodiment of a slat row withplates of the motorized module of FIGS. 14A-18, in top view, front view,side view and in cross section respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION ReferenceNumbers

-   1 bed-   11 head or neck zone-   12 shoulder zone-   13 lower back, lumbar zone-   14 thigh or pelvis zone-   16 knee zone-   16 calf zone-   17 foot or heel zone-   2 slat base-   21 side board-   22 connection-   24 slat holder-   25 slat-   28 plate base-   27 centre of the slat-   3 motorised slat module-   31 electrical motor-   32 slat row-   33 shaft-   34 bracket-   35 position indicator-   36 eccentric-   37 gear (of worm gear)-   38 guide-   39 slide-   4 eccentric-   5 control means-   51 button-   6 person, body-   7 bed base-   8 plate-   101 motor-   102 worm gear-   103 cover, lid-   104 motor shaft-   105 first worm gear-   106 second worm gear-   107 bearing-   109 gear-   110 gear support-   401 guide-   402 slide-   408 motor support-   415 motor and shaft-   506 connection-   701 guide-   702 slide-   708 motor support-   742 first drive shaft-   743 first gear-   744 shaft support-   748 second drive shaft-   749 bearing-   750 second gear-   901 guide-   902 slide-   903 shaft-   955 drive shaft

The invention relates to a bed 1, more in particular a bed 1 with amotorized slat base 2 or a motorized plate base 26. The presentinvention is thus applicable to a slat base 2 as well as to a platebase, but for simplicity usually only a slat base 2 is mentioned in thedescription. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, everything that isdescribed for a slat base 2 is also applicable to a plate base 26, andvice versa. Sometimes also the word “bed base” 7 is used, which meansboth a slat base 2 and a plate base 26.

A slat base 2 is, just like a mattress, a body supporting part of a bed1. A good slat base 2 distributes the weight of the person 6 evenly, sothat the person sleeps comfortable in a bed 1 with such a bed base 7.

There are different types of slat bases 2. There are e.g. flat slatbases in which slats 25 have a fixed position (FIG. 1A), and usually arelocated in a single plane. There are also slat bases 2 with severalsegments, wherein the head and foot end may be adjusted manually or bymeans of a motor. This motor may e.g. be operated by a third person,e.g. nursing staff (FIGS. 1B-1D).

A typical slat base 2 usually comprises the following components: 1) aframe or base structure with two side boards 21, usually made of wood,which are mutually connected to a head- and a footboard, 2)cross-connections (or lateral supports) to keep the side boards 21 at adistance from each other, usually connected between the side boards 21by means of known connection means such as e.g. screws, 3) a pluralityof slat holders 24 (also called “spring cap”), for holding slats 25,wherein the slat holders 24 may be e.g. springy plastic elementsattached to the side boards 21 by means of plastic screws or pins, 4)rigid or resilient straight or slightly curved slats 25 (also called“battens”), placed in the slat holders 24, usually made of wood orsynthetic material, for carrying a mattress (not shown). The rigid slats25 are typically used for the plate base 26, wherein typically a numberof plates 8 are placed on the slat 25, whereas for a slat base 2typically slightly curved and flexible slats 25 are used. Slat basestypically have a plurality (e.g. 15 or 20 or more) of slat rows 32,which means the combination of a slat 25 (e.g. slat or batten of wood orplastic) and the related slat holders 24 (e.g. springy element), whichare connected to the side boards 21 of the bed base 7 for holding theends of the slats 25. The slat holders 24 can have several known shapes.The slat row 32 may contain one slat (mono-slat), or two slats(duo-slat) or three slats (trio-slat), or more than three.

An ideal bed 1 provides substantially equal support to all body parts(e.g. head, shoulders, . . . ) of a person 6, regardless of his or herlength, shape and weight. Different body parts however need a differentorthopedic support. Moreover, an adult human body can vary greatly inshape and weight from person to person. Even for a single person thiscan vary greatly during the life time, for example due to pregnancy,obesity or illness. Also when replacing a (worn) mattress, the bed base7 should in fact be adjusted. In order to improve the user's comfort,and especially the orthopedic support, systems have already beendeveloped in which height differences in the slat rows 32 have beenapplied, but as far as known to the inventor, these systems allow aonce-only setting. Once the bed 1 is at the customer premises, thesetting is fixed and cannot be adjusted anymore.

When sleeping in a healthy way, the spine of a sleeping person 6 shouldbe able to recover during the night. For this, the spine must be wellpositioned. A bed 1 or a bed base 7 must thus give in certain places,support in other places and in some places even fulfil both functions,depending on the length and body shape, the weight and the favouritesleeping position.

Too hard a sleep system 1 or bed base 7 does not adjust sufficiently tothe body 6. This may cause blood circulation problems and high pressure.The arms may e.g. become numb.

Too soft a sleep system 1 or bed base 7 disturbs the natural sleepmovements, the required turn arounds during the night. If this requirestoo much effort, one cannot sleep relaxed.

Lying well means that the spine has the same natural S-shape when lyingas when standing. Tests show that most people sleep on their sides atleast 60% of the time. In side position, the spine should preferably bea straight line. The body needs to be carried by the bed base 7 and bythe mattress. In this way, the intervertebral discs, which during theday are under heavy pressure, can sufficiently recover.

With a good bed 1 or bed base 7, the balance between ‘too hard’ and ‘toosoft’ can be adjusted according to length, weight and body shape of eachindividual.

As far as known to the inventor so far only slat bases 2 or mattresssupporting bed systems are available with a height control system bymanually adjusting springy slat holders 24 (caps) to hard or soft,and/or hardening or softening resilient slat rows 32 suspended inresilient slat holders 24 (caps) e.g. by shifting plastic connectorsbetween two slat rows 32 to the centre, or by adjusting the height ofslat rows 32 through a manual intervention (e.g. mechanical suspension)to a height adjustment system.

FIG. 2A shows the principle of a bed base 7 of the present invention,wherein the height of one or more slat rows 32 can be adjusted dependingon the person 6. In practice, the person lies on a mattress placed onthe bed base 7, but the mattress is omitted in this drawing forillustrative purposes. As further described, it is not absolutelynecessary to make all slat rows 32 adjustable in height, but only themost important.

To meet the individual needs of each person w.r.t sleeping position,length, body weight and body proportions, a bed 1 or a bed base 7 (alsocalled “mattress carrier”) should be able to be individualized in asimple and user friendly manner.

Preferably, the bed base 7 is divided into several zones 11-17, arrangedwith each time a different rigidity (stiffness) and function. An exampleof such a arrangement is shown in FIG. 2B. The layout of the bed base 7is preferably adapted to support these functions, especially when usingfoam or latex mattresses. Examples of such functions are the softsinking of the shoulder when in side position, or supporting the spinein the dorsal position.

Besides this orthopedic function, the bed base 2 of the presentinvention is also ideally suited for creating a wellness-feeling. Theinventor has surprisingly found that the motorized slat base 2 of thepresent invention does not only provide a very pleasant feelingstatically (at an optimal setting), but also dynamically (i.e. when themotor 31 is running) creates a very pleasant and soothing effect. Tothis end, according to the invention, two adjacent slats 25 a, 25 b aremoved in height direction simultaneously. These two slats 25 may movesimultaneously up or down, or in opposite directions, or completelyindependent of each other, depending on the construction of the module 3and the control thereof. The inventor has surprisingly found that whenthe motion of two adjacent slats 25 occurs out of phase (i.e. forexample when one slat 25 a goes up while the adjacent slat 25 b goesdown) a kind of wave movement is created, which in turn creates a verycalming and soothing feeling with the person 6 tying on the bed 1. Thisfeeling is even enhanced when multiple modules simultaneously performsuch a wave movement. It should be noted that the mattress in often notmentioned in this text, or shown in the figures, because it is not thefocus of the invention, but it is certainly possible and desirable thata mattress is placed on the bed base 2 of the invention. The inventorhas also found that there are certain preferred positions in the bedbase 7, in which this effect is very pronounced.

FIG. 2B shows some preferred locations (zone 11, 13 and 14 or 15) in theslat base 2 for positioning one or more motorized slat rows 32, theheight position of which can be adjusted. Zone 11 is a preferredposition because the motion of a single or double slat row 32 in a slatbase 2 as the carrier of a mattress in a bed 1 near the head or neckzone 11 of the body gives a soothing and calming feeling, awellness-feeling. Zone 13 is a preferred position for movements near thelumbar zone 13 of the backbone of the person. This gives a pleasantsupportive, soothing and calming feeling, it can function as a massagefunction and getting the breathing cycle under control and for loweringthe breathing frequency. Zone 15 is a preferred position because: themotion of a single or double slat row 32 in a slatted base 2 as thecarrier of a mattress in a bed 1 near the thigh and knee area 15 of thebody 6 gives a soothing and calming feeling—the wellness-feeling.

A preferred embodiment of the slat base 2 according to the inventioncomprises three (or more) motorized slat modules, located on the abovementioned zones 11, 13 and 15. These zones are strategically chosen forobtaining an optimal soothing or calming effect with a minimal number ofmotors 31, thus at a minimum cost, in another preferred embodiment, theslat base 2 according to the invention comprises four (or more)motorized slat modules.

The inventor has found that there is an optimal speed of the verticaldisplacement of the slats 25, especially when dynamically changing theheight, i.e. during rotation of the motor(s), for obtaining the soothingand calming effect, and suspects that this is related to the respiratoryrate of man: With rapid breathing is meant a respiratory rate of 10 oreven more than 20 times per minute. While less than 8 times per minuteis a peaceful and healthy respiratory rate, also during sleep. Testshave shown that (for an adult) an optimal displacement distance (from anupper to a lower position, i.e. the amplitude) is 15-50 mm, preferably20-40 mm, more preferably substantially 30 mm. The inventor has alsofound that an optimal maximum displacement speed is 3-20 mm per second,preferably 5-15 mm per second, most preferably around 10 mm per second.Thanks to a mechanical transmission system, the rotation of the shaft 33is converted into an upward and downward movement of the slats 25. Thetime required to obtain one complete rotation of 360 degrees of theshaft 33, and thus, by using an eccentric mechanical transmission, toobtain an upward and downward movement of substantially 30 mm of theslat 25, is preferably a period of 3-15 seconds, more preferably aperiod of 4-12 seconds, for example, substantially 6.5 seconds or 8seconds. The speed of rotation of the shaft 33 with a rotation of 360degrees is preferably set at substantially 6.5 seconds. In anotherembodiment, this period is adjustable, for example using a frequencymotor. This allows for example the respiratory cycle to be influencedfor calming down.

Optionally, the moving and/or fixed battens 25 (slats) may also befitted with electrically vibrating pads, which can vibrate at afrequency of e.g. 20-100 Hz, but other frequencies may also be used.

Lying well is a very personal matter. Every person has a unique sleepingposition, body length, -weight and -shape. Adjusting the bed with acertain type of mattress to the ideal ergonomic sleeping profile of aperson 6, can be sensed and set by a user himself with the bed base 7according to the invention. Each type of mattress, e.g. foam-latex orspring mattress additionally reacts differently with each unique body ona bed base 7 or sleep system. The bed base 7 of the invention can beadapted very specifically to these details, like a tailored suit. Wellaligned and healthy lying with the ideal symbiosis of the mattress, thebed base 7 and the body 6 has been difficult to obtain in the past by auser in a bed. Because bed bases 7 were rather complicated to manipulatein certain zones until now, to increase pressure to the mattress bymanually adjusting slat rows 32 in height, or by hardening or softeningspringy caps 24 (slat holders) with battens 25, or hardening orsoftening springy battens 25 themselves.

With a bed 1 comprising a slat base 2 according to the presentinvention, and a specific mattress (material, height, thickness andtype) the desired height can be very easily set or adjusted, while theperson lies on the bed and is thus supported by the bed 1. This allowsthe user to feel the most comfortable position himself, and compressionof the mattress, and bending of the slats is also taken into account. Tothis end, the bed 1 according to the invention preferably also includesa remote control 5, wireless or with a cable, for controlling themotor(s) 31 under the slat rows 32, and the user can for himselffine-tune a unique individual sleep profile (static position) followinghis own feeling.

In a preferred embodiment of the slat base 7 of the invention, theposition of each height of the slats 25 of the motorized slat modules 3can be easily read on the side of the bed 1 via position indicators 35.This may e.g. be height indicators. In case of a rotatable shaft 33 withan eccentric transmission as described above, this position may e.g.also be indicated by showing the position of the shaft 33 itself, e.g.as an angle. An example of this is shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, whereopenings (e.g. round holes) are provided in the side board 21 of the bedbase 7 in which decorative disks are provided which are connected to thecorresponding shafts 33 of the motorized slat modules 3. Possibly ascale is applied around the indicator 35, on the side board 21 of thebed base 7. Reading the set position is e.g. useful when a person hastuned to a preferred position, and wants to set the same position againlater, fast, and without having to fine-tune again, for example after adynamic operation of the bed, as described above, for obtaining thecalming effect due to the wave movement. Moreover, this indicator 35 mayalso contribute to the aesthetic aspect of the bed base 7, in FIG.12A-12B the inventor has chosen for a symbolic representation of theeccentric mounting of the shaft 33 as indication of the angular positionof the shaft 33.

Optionally the bed 1 may be equipped with an electronic controlincluding a memory, and one or more tuned positions can be stored in thememory, e.g. by means of a button 51 (e.g. “Set”, “store”, FIG. 13C) onthe remote control 5. In case of multiple motors, e.g. the position ofall the motors is stored. As a parameter, e.g. the angular position ofthe shaft concerned w.r.t. the vertical axis may be stored, or e.g. thedifference between the actual height of the slat row 32 as compared to areference height. Via another button (e.g. “Get”, “retrieve”, FIG. 13C),the bed base 7 can be automatically returned to that positionafterwards, e.g. after a dynamic operation of a certain duration (e.g. 1minute or 5 minutes or 15 minutes or any other time).

Another possibility for bringing the motorized slat modules back totheir original position after a dynamic movement is that the electricalcontrol and/or remote control 5 are further provided (e.g. with adedicated button 51 on the control means 5) for rotating the motors 31over an integer number of full revolutions (e.g. 5 or 10 or 20 oranother integer number), such that the bed returns back to the optimalposition every period of e.g. 6.5 seconds.

Above a bed 1 is described with a bed base 2 that is easily adjustablefor optimum ergonomics. The bed 1 can be set by the user himself whilehe/she is lying on the bed, so as to obtain a perfect lying position,and is suitable for various types of mattresses.

FIG. 2B shows the principle of a bed 1, with the position of some zones(shown in alternating white and gray).

FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of a slat base 2 according to the inventionwith three motorized slat modules 3, each having two motors 31 and twoslats 25. In total, this slat base 2 comprises fifteen slats 25, butthat number may also be higher or lower than fifteen, depending on thedimensions of the slat 25. Also, the number of motorized slat modules 3may be higher or lower than three. As described above, these modules 3are preferably located at strategic locations, e.g. in this case onemodule 3 c is located near the head/neck zone 11, module 33 b near thelower back 13 (lumbar zone), and module 3 a near the knee zone 15.

FIG. 3B-3J show detailed drawings of several possible positions of themotorized slat modules 3 of FIG. 3A, in side view. According to thesefigures, the two motors 31 a, 31 b are controlled such that the twoshafts 33 are always at an angle of 180° offset from each other. This isadvantageous for obtaining a wave effect, but is not strictly necessaryfor the invention, and other angle offsets between the shafts may alsobe used, e.g. 160°, 140°, 120°, 100°, 80°, 60°, 40°, 20°, 0°, or anyother angle. The angle of 180° is the only angle where the two adjacentslats 25 a, 25 b move in opposite directions, wherein the body issupported, as it were, alternately by the one or the other slat. When anangle of 0° is used, the slats 25 a, 25 b are moved simultaneously up ordown, which does not create the same effect. In an alternativeembodiment (not shown), the motors 31 a, 31 b may also be drivenindependently of each other, and the shafts 33 may thus assume anyarbitrary angle relative to each other. In FIGS. 3B-3J the module 3 isonly shown in positions that are multiples of 45°, but in reality themodule also moves through all intermediate angles. Thus, with acontinuously running motor in each period the positions shown in theFIGS. 3B-3J are passed. The motor is preferably a DC motor, preferablydriven at 24 volts, but other known motors 31 deemed suitable by theskilled person may also be used. The motor 31 preferably comprises agear system or reduction system, internal or external to the motor 31,preferably with a locking system or a worm system, so that the tunedposition is maintained without feeding power to the motor 31, even whena 6 person is lying on the bed.

Another embodiment of the bed base according to the invention comprisesat least five motorized slat modules 3 positioned substantially near thehead or neck area 11, the shoulder area 12, the lumbar area 13, thethigh area 14 and the knee area 15 of the bed base.

FIG. 4 shows in perspective view a first preferred embodiment of amotorized slat module 3 according to the invention, in exploded view.This module 3 comprises two motors 31 a, 31 b for driving two slats 25a, 25 b, wherein the motors 31 may be driven together (simultaneously),or individually. The slat holders 24 are not directly mounted to theside boards 21 of the bed base 7, but to a slider 402 which is movablein the height direction in a guide 401 fixed to the side boards 21. Bymoving the slider 402 in the guide 401, the height of the slats 25 canbe changed. Through a mechanical transmission based on an eccentricconnection 4, 22 between the shaft 415 and the slider 402, a rotationalmovement of the shaft 415 is converted into a linear movement of theslat 25. This is an advantage compared to known systems where e.g. asquare shaft is rotated and which directly supports the mattress,wherein the mattress experiences mechanical stresses when the shaftrotates, causing it to tear or at least to show wear due to friction. Bythe transmission system of the present invention, the mattress is onlylifted in height direction, and such wear due to friction is negligible.The motor with the shafts 415 is suspended from a motor mount 408, whichis fixedly connected to the side boards 21 of the bed base 7.

FIG. 5A shows a top view of the module of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C show the module of FIG. 5A in side view. In FIG. 5Cit is clearly visible that the position of the two connections 506 a,506 b are offset by 180° relative to each other. Note in FIG. 5A thatthe motors 31 a and 31 b are in this case preferably not placed in oneline, but are shifted slightly outward for not obstructing adjacentmotorized slat modules 3 on the bed base 2.

FIGS. 6A-6E show a second preferred embodiment of a motorized slatmodule 3 of the invention with only one motor 31 per module, in leftside view, fop view, front view, bottom view and right side viewrespectively. By using gears 37 two neighbouring shafts 33 can be drivensimultaneously by a single motor 31. During the production of thismodule 3, the angle between the shafts 33 a, 33 b can be mechanicallyfixed at an angle of 180°, or a different angle. When an angulardifference of 180° is used, the height of the two slats 25, when theyare located at a same height, is a middle position, i.e. at equal heightas the neighbouring not-motorized slats 25. When the angular differenceis 0°, the two slats 25 will be at the same height for each rotationalposition of the shaft 33, which may be higher or lower than theneighbouring slats 25. When the angular difference is e.g. 90°, thereare two motor positions in which the two slats are at equal height, inone case both slats are lower than the adjacent fixed slats 25, in theother case higher than the adjacent slats 25. The skilled person canfind the most optimal angular difference by performing routine tests.

FIG. 7 shows the module 3 of FIGS. 6A-6E, in exploded view. The motor 31drives via a first gear 743 a first days shaft 742, and via a secondgear 750 a second drive shaft 748. Again the slat holders 24 areconnected to a slider 702 which is movable in the height direction in aguide 701 fixed to the side boards 21 of the bed base. By moving theslider 702 in the guide 701, the height of the slats 25 can be adjusted.Through a mechanical transmission based on an eccentric connection 4, 22between the shafts 742, 748 and the sliders 702, a rotational movementof the shafts is converted into a linear movement of the slat 25. Thefigure also shows a motor support 708, a shaft support 744, and abearing 749. How the parts work together will be further clarified inthe discussion of FIGS. 14A-18.

FIG. 8A shows an embodiment of a slat base 2 according to the invention,with four modules according to FIG. 6A-7. The number of motorized slatmodules 3 a-3 d may however also be less than four, e.g. two or three ormore than four, e.g. five or six or another number. Also in thisexample, a slat base 2 is shown with fifteen slats 25, but a differentnumber may also be used, depending on the width B of the slats 25 andthe distance (aperture) between them. Preferably, slats 25 with a widthB of 6-14 cm are used, more preferably slats with a width of 8-12 cm,most preferably substantially 10 cm. The slats 25 may but need not allhave the same width B.

FIGS. 8B-8J show detailed drawings of some positions of the motorizedslat modules 3 of FIG. 6A-7, in side view, wherein again the shafts 33are at a 180° angular offset. Only a few positions are shown that aremultiples of 45°, showing that now the one than the other slat 25 a, 25b is located higher, but the intermediate positions are also assumedwhen the shafts 33 a, 33 b rotate over a complete revolution. Assumingthat the motor 31 starts from the position shown in FIG. 8B, then allpositions from FIG. 8B to FIG. 8J are assumed, and the pattern repealsitself again from FIG. 8B to FIG. 8J as long as the motor 31 is running.Because the two slats 25 a, 25 b are alternately higher and lower thanthe other, a wave effect is obtained. Optionally, the control of thedifferent motors 31 of the different modules 3 a-3 d are also tuned toeach other, to stretch out this wave effect over an even larger area.

FIG. 9A shows a third embodiment of a motorized slat module 3 accordingto the invention, in exploded view. The principle of the suspension isthe same as described above, but the gears (or worm wheels) of the motor31 are now internal to the motor housing, which enhances the safety, andreduces the risk of blocking the motor. Again the slat holders 24 aremounted to a slider 902 which is movable in the vertical direction in aguide 901 which is connected to the side boards 21 of the bed base. Bymoving the slider 902 in the guide 901, the height of the slats 25 canbe set. Through a mechanical transmission based on an eccentricconnection 4, 22 between the drive shafts 955 and the slides 902, arotational movement of the shafts is converted into a linear movement ofthe slats 25.

FIGS. 9B-9D show the motorized slat module of FIG. 9A. in top view, infront view and in side view respectively.

FIG. 10 shows a preferred embodiment of the motor of the motorized slatmodule 3 of FIG. 9A, in exploded view. Shown is a motor 101, with adrive shaft 104, driving two worm gears 102 and two worm wheels 105 and106 through a gear 109 which is held in a gear support 110. The wormgear 105 is in a bearing 107. The whole is closed with a lid 103. Notethat with this motor 31 the gears 37 as shown in FIG. 7 can be avoided.

FIG. 11A shows an example of a bed base 2 having four motorized slatmodules 3 according to FIG. 10 and a total of fifteen slats 25. Avariant of this example may comprise more or less than four motorizedslat modules 3, and/or more or less than fifteen slats 25. In thisexample, the shafts 33 a, 33 b of the modules are again 180° out ofphase to each other, but other phase angles are also possible, asdiscussed above. FIGS. 11B to 11K show once again the wave movement dueto the positions which the slats 25 a, 25 b consecutively take, asdescribed above.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show a slat base 2 according to the invention, withposition indicators 35, in side view and in perspective viewrespectively. These position indicators 35 indicate the positions of theshafts 33 a, 33 b of each motorized slat module 3, regardless whether ithas one or two motors 31 (see above). In case the module 3 only containsa single motor, there is no need to show the positions of both shafts33, since they take a fixed position relative to each other anyway. Ofcourse, the indicator 35 may also assume another form, e.g. a disk witha hand pointing to a scale (not shown) which may be applied to the sideboard 21. As indicated above this may be useful to be able to be able toreconstruct art earlier setting of the motorized slat modules 3 againlater, even though this is not required when the bed is equipped with amemory. But it is handy for example if the user wants to set another bed(e.g. in an hotel) in the same way.

FIG. 13A shows an example of a control means 5 or a remote control 5having six buttons 51 for controlling the motor modules 3 a, 3 b, 3 c ofthe slat base 2 of FIG. 3A. The shown controller 5 has six buttons 51,one for controlling each motor, wherein M1 a represents the first motorof module 3 a, M1 b the second motor of module 3 a, M2 a the first motorof module 3 b, etc. Alternatively, the controllers may also have threebuttons M1, M2, M3, wherein M1 controls both motors of the first module3 a simultaneously. This control means 5 may e.g. be connected to thecontrol electronics of the bed base 2 via a cable, or via a wirelessconnection, e.g. Bluetooth, but other connection techniques deemedappropriate by the skilled person may also be used.

FIG. 13B shows an example of a remote control 5 with four buttons 51 foroperating the slat base 2 of FIG. 8A. Since in this case, only one motor31 is present per module 3, there is only one control button 51 requiredper module 3.

FIG. 13C shows a variant of the remote control 5 of FIG. 13B, wherein anadditional button “Set” is provided for storing the tuned position in amemory (not shown, but this may e.g. be present in the controlelectronics), and an additional button “Get” for retrieving the storedposition from memory, and for automatically moving the motorized slatmodules 3 to that position. If required, the necessaryposition-determining means are thereby provided on the shaft 33 and inthe control electronics. With position is meant the position of allmotorized slat modules 3 of the bed base 2. Optionally, multiplepositions may be stored, for example, one tuned position for lying on aside, and one tuned position for lying on the back.

Optionally the control means 5 of FIGS. 13A-13C further comprise abutton (or switch or the like) for starting or stopping the continuouswave movement, supported by the necessary control electronics. Possiblythe control electronics comprises a timer, such that one push on thestart-wave-motion-button (not shown) operates the motors 31 for apredetermined period (e.g. 5 minutes, or another period).

The principle of the motorized slat base 2 according to the inventionmay also be applied to other bed bases 7, such as e.g. a plate base 26.This is illustrated in the FIGS. 14A-19C, which will also be used toexplain the working of the eccentric connection.

FIGS. 14A-14C show in perspective view an embodiment of a plate base 28according to the present invention, with a single motor 31 (not shown),wherein the two shafts 33 a, 33 show an angle of 180°, and wherein oneshaft 33 b assumes an angle of 0° w.r.t. the Z-axis (as shown in FIG.14A). The figures for a slat base 2 would look almost identical, exceptthat no plates would be mounted on the slats 25. This also applies tothe FIGS. 15A-18.

A good understanding of how the system works, can be obtained bycomparing the FIGS. 14A, 15A, 16A, 17A and 18 with each other, takingparticular note of the positions of the eccentrics 36 of both shafts,and the positions of the slides 39 in the respective guides 38. FIGS.15A-15C, 16A-16C and 17A-17C show the same as FIGS. 14A-14C, except thatthe shafts are rotated over an angle of 45°, 90° and 135° respectively.FIG. 18 shows the position of the motorized slat module of FIG. 14A,after the shafts are rotated over 180°.

FIGS. 19A-19D show in more detail a top portion of the slat row 32 withplates 8 of the motorized slat module 3 shown in the FIGS. 14A-18, inplan view, in front view, in side view and in cross sectionrespectively. The components of the movement mechanism are not shown inthese FIGS. 19A-19D. Whereas the slat 25 of a slat base 2 is preferablyflexible and curved (e.g. FIG. 5B), the slat 25 of a plate base 26 ispreferably rigid and straight. The plates 8 may be mounted to the slat25 in known ways. By moving the slat 25 in height direction in the samemanner as previously explained for a slat base 2, according to theinvention the plates 8 can therefore thus also be adjusted in height.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown) of a motorized slat module 3according to the invention, the motorized slat module 3 comprises twomotors 31 for driving a first and a second height of a single slat 25,which heights may be different from each other. Preferably therespective suspension points are chosen near the first and second end ofthe slat 25. Through transfer means the motors 31 cause the slat 25 totilt relative to an axis Y (FIG. 12B) located in the length direction ofthe bed base 7. Preferably both slat rows 32 a, 32 b of the same moduleare thereby tilted simultaneously, but the principle will be explainedfor one slat 25 of the slat module 3. Each motor may e.g. drive a halfshaft that can change the height at one end of the slat 25. When the twomotors 31 of a single slat 25 are thereby driven in opposite phase (i.e.180° shifted), the slat 25 shows a tilting movement about the Y-axis,wherein the centre 27 of the slat 25 remains substantially at the sameheight w.r.t. the bed base 7. When the motors 31 are thereby driven withanother constant phase angle relative to each other, e.g. a phase angleof 30° or 45° or 60° or another angle, the tilting movement about theaxis Y is combined with an up and down movement of the slat 25. Suchtilting movement of the slat 25, whether or not combined with an up anddown movement, also acts as a massage function. In an embodiment, themotor 3 and the transmission means are chosen such that the tilt periodis about 2-10 seconds, preferably 4-8 seconds, more preferablysubstantially 6 seconds. This gives a rocking effect which is verycalming. Optionally the motors 3 may be controlled such that the phaseangle between the motors is not constant, but varies over time.

In a further embodiment of the above described motorized slat modules 3or motorized bed bases 7, a displacement and/or tilting period is chosenof at least 5 minutes, preferably at least 10 minutes, more preferablyat least 20 minutes. Thereby the motor 3 may, for example, periodicallybe operated for a short time, e.g. every 1 or 2 or 5 or 10 minutes for0.25 or 0.50 or 1.0 or 2.0 seconds, while performing only a fraction ofa complete rotation of the shaft 33, e.g. 5° or 10° or 15° or 30° or 45°rotation of the half-shaft, but other values deemed appropriate by theskilled person may also be used. Such slow displacement and/or tiltmovements provide particular benefit to bedridden people or sleepingpersons because while sleeping the support points of the body 6 areslowly changed that way. This may provide to old or sick people theadvantage of preventing bedsores or at least reducing them.

Optionally, each of the aforementioned motorized slat modules 3 ormotorized bed bases 7 (thus those with a single or two motors per slatrow 25, as well as those with a single motor per two slat rows) beequipped with sensors, for example, position sensors able to determinethe height of the slats 25, or in case the slats 25 are tiltable, twoheights. These sensors may be connected to the control circuit asdescribed above, or may optionally pass positions via communicationsmeans to an electronic device, preferably a portable electronic devicesuch as a PDA (personal digital assistant), a smartphone, iPad etc.Optionally this electronic device has an application for displaying themeasured sensor values on a display. Preferably, the electronic devicealso has an application to pass the desired position of the slat rows tothe control circuit, which in turn can drive the motors to the desiredposition. This control may optionally happen in an interactive way withthe user, e.g. by using the buttons of the electronic device. In thisway the electronic device thus serves as the control means 5.

In an embodiment, each of the aforementioned motorized slat modules 3(or motorized bed bases 7) may be equipped with pressure sensors,measuring the pressure exerted on the support points of the slats 25 oron the plates 8, so that a pressure distribution of the persons 6 on themattress and on the bed base 7 can be determined, and hence also apressure distribution on the body of the person 6. It is believed thatprolonged pressure on one place leads to bedsores.

The sensor information may thereby be transmitted, for example, viawires or wirelessly to the control circuit and/or to the electronicdevice, e.g. via WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee or other known techniques. Thesensor information may optionally also be displayed on a display (notshown), e.g. in the form of a 3-dimensional (3D) graph, or a2-dimensional (2D) graph with a color code. The display may thereby bemounted separately next to the bed base or be rigidly attached to thebed base, or may optionally be incorporated into the remote control.

In an embodiment of the bed base, the electrical control circuit isprovided with a processor that performs an algorithm which reads thesensors (periodically or continuously) and that uses the sensorinformation for determining an adaptive setting of the motor controlsuch that the pressure on the person 6 is optimally distributed overtime and/or over different positions of the body 6, in order to therebyincrease the comfort of the user and/or to reduce the risk of bedsores.This adaptive control could take into account the sleeping position ofthe person at a given time, e.g. a position on the back, position on theleft side, position on the right side, position on the belly, etc.Alternatively, the algorithm instead of on the control circuit, may alsobe performed by a processor of the portable electronic device, whereincommands for the motor control are preferably wirelessly transmitted tothe control circuit.

In an example of such an application the motors do not perform acontinuous rotation of the shaft (or half-shafts, but a number ofpredetermined angular displacements (e.g. a rotation angle from −60° to+60° (i.e. an amplitude of 60°), or from −45° to +45° or from −30° to+30° or other angular displacements) around a given operating point, asort of rocking motion. This rocking motion may e.g. be started and/orstopped by a dedicated button (not shown) on the control means 5. Theoperating point may (and usually will) be different for each motor. Theoperating point may also be derived from the sensor information and maye.g. differ for each lying position of the person 6, detected by thepressure sensors. In an implementation of the control algorithm a numberof predetermined preferred positions are pre-programmed, and the mostlikely preferred position is chosen based on the sensor information,(e.g. position on the back, position on the left side, position on theright side, position on the belly). For each preferred position and foreach motor a corresponding displacement around that operating point maybe chosen, and stored in a memory.

In an embodiment, the processor is provided with an algorithm todetermine, from any manually set position of the bed base, which of thepreferred positions deviates the least from the current position, toretrieve that position, and to consider it as operating point, and toperform around that operating point a number of predetermined angulardisplacement (e.g. rocking movements), with an amplitude of e.g. 30° ofthe shaft. As a criterion for determining the nearest preferredposition, for example for each of the stored positions the sum of thesquares of the differences of the heights of the slat rows may becalculated, i.e. the difference between the actual position as measuredby position sensors and the position in the reference position asstored, and that position for which the sum of the squares is minimal isselected. Other criteria may also be chosen, e.g. the minimal sum ofsquares of the differences of the angular positions of the shafts, orthe sum of the absolute values of the differences between the actuallymeasured and stored angles, or another suitable criterium known to theskilled person.

In an embodiment of the algorithm, the position of a bedsore or othersore on the body can be entered by the user, and the algorithm tries tocontrol the slats 25 such that the pressure on these positions is as lowas possible, or is maximally spread by tilting the slat row, so that thewounds can heal faster.

A bed base 7 according to the invention may of course comprise multipleslat rows 25 with two motors each. And of course several slat modules 3may be combined in a single bed base 7.

Although the present invention is described with reference to specificpreferred embodiments, if will be understood that various modificationscan be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of theinvention as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, the description anddrawings are to be considered in an illustrative sense rather than arestrictive sense.

1.-32. (canceled)
 33. A bed base comprising at least one motorized slatmodule, the motorized slat module comprising at least one slat row forcarrying a mattress, an electrical motor and mechanical transmissionmeans for moving the slat row in height direction of the bed base, andthe bed base comprising an electrical control circuit and a controlmeans for controlling the motor, and the slat row comprising two slatholders for holding a slat, each slat holder being connected to a slidewhich is moveable in height direction in a guide connected to a sideboard of the bed base; wherein the bed base comprises pressure sensors,connected to the electrical control circuit, for measuring a pressureexerted upon the slats and a processor for receiving the pressuremeasured by fee pressure sensors, and for controlling the motors of theslat modules for minimizing the pressure.
 34. The bed base according toclaim 33, wherein the bed base is a slat base.
 35. The bed baseaccording to claim 33, wherein the bed base is a plate base.
 36. The bedbase according to claim 33, wherein the control means is connected tothe electrical control circuit by means of an electrical cable.
 37. Thebed base according to claim 33, wherein the control means is connectedto the electrical control circuit by means of a wireless connection. 38.The bed base according to claim 33, wherein the bed base comprises amemory for storing at least one tuned position of the motor in thememory, upon a first command of the control means, and for retrieving astored position from the memory and for returning to that position upona second command of the control means.
 39. The bed base according toclaim 33, wherein the motorized slat module comprises two neighbouringslat rows, namely a first slat row and a second slat row, and twomotors, namely a first motor and a second motor.
 40. The bed baseaccording to claim 39, wherein the first slat row is driven by the firstmotor for adjusting the height of the first slat row, aid the secondslat row is driven by the second motor for adjusting the height of thesecond slat row.
 41. The bed base according to claim 39, wherein theheight of first ends of the first and of the second slat row are drivenby the first motor, and wherein second ends of the first and of thesecond slat row are driven by the second motor.
 42. The bed baseaccording to claim 41, wherein the two motors are driven substantiallyto opposite phase for tilting the slat rows, for creating a rockingeffect.
 43. The bed base according to claim 42, wherein the tiltingperiod of the slat rows is a period of 2-10 seconds.
 44. The bed baseaccording to claim 39, wherein the electrical control circuit and/or thecontrol means are provided for driving the two motors independently. 45.The bed base according to claim 39, wherein the electrical controlcircuit and/or the control means are provided for driving the two motorssimultaneously.
 46. The bed base according to claim 33, wherein themotorized slat module comprises two neighbouring slat rows and a singlemotor for adjusting the heights of the two neighbouring slat rowssimultaneously.
 47. The bed base according to claim 46, wherein themotorized slat module is provided for driving the two neighbouring slatrows in such a way that during rotation of the motor the slat rows movesubstantially in opposite directions.
 48. The bed base according toclaim 46, wherein the motorized slat module is provided for driving thetwo neighbouring slat rows in such a way that during rotation of themotor the slat rows move substantially in the same direction.
 49. Thebed base according to claim 33, comprising at least two slat modules,wherein the electrical control circuit and/or the control means areprovided for simultaneously operating the at least two slat modules. 50.The bed base according to claim 49, wherein the electrical controlcircuit has a dynamic operation mode in which the at least two motorizedslat modules (3 a, 3 b) are controlled such as to create a wavemovement.
 51. The bed base according to claim 50, wherein the period ofone full rotation of the shaft (33) in the dynamic operation mode is aperiod of 3-15 seconds.
 52. The bed base according to claim 50, whereinthe amplitude of the displacement in height direction is 15-50 mm. 53.The bed base according to claim 50, wherein the maximum speed ofdisplacement is 3-20 mm per second.
 54. The bed base according to claim33, comprising at least three motorized slat modules positionedsubstantially near the head or neck zone, the lumbar zone, and the thighzone of the bed base.
 55. The bed base according to claim 33, comprisingat least three motorized slat modules positioned substantially near thehead, or neck zone, the lumbar zone, and the knee zone of the bed base.56. The bed base according to claim 33, comprising at least fourmotorized slat modules positioned substantially near the head or neckzone, the lumbar zone, the thigh zone and the knee zone of the bed base.57. The bed base according to claim 33, comprising at least fourmotorized slat modules positioned substantially near the head or neckzone, the shoulder zone, the lumbar zone, the thigh zone and the kneezone of the bed base.
 58. The bed base according to claim 33, furthercomprising position sensors, connected to the electrical controlcircuit, for measuring a position of the slat rows.
 59. The bed baseaccording to claim 33, wherein the electrical control circuit comprisesa processor for operating each motor around a working point, such thateach motor performs a predefined angular displacement around the workingpoint, with a predefined amplitude.
 60. The bed base according to claim59, wherein multiple positions of the motorized slat modules are storedin the memory, and wherein the processor is provided with an algorithmfor retrieving the position which deviates the least from the currentposition, and for choosing that position as working point, and forperforming a predefined angular movement around that working point. 61.A motorized slat module comprising at least one slat row for carrying amattress, an electrical motor and mechanical transmission means formoving the slat row in height direction of slat module, and the slatmodule comprising an electrical control circuit and a control means forcontrolling the motor, and the slat row comprising two slat holders forholding a slat, each slat holder being connected to a slide which ismoveable in height direction in a guide for connection to a side boardof a bed base, wherein the slat module comprises pressure sensors,connected to the electrical control circuit, for measuring a pressureexerted upon the slats and a processor tor receiving the pressuremeasured by the pressure sensors, and for controlling the motors of theslat modules for minimizing the pressure.
 62. The motorized slat moduleaccording to claim 61, wherein the position of the at least one slat rowis visibly readable.
 63. A bed with a bed base comprising at least onemotorized slat module, each motorized slat module comprising at leastone slat row for carrying a mattress, an electrical motor and mechanicaltransmission means for moving the slat row in height direction of bedbase, and the slat module comprising an electrical control circuit and acontrol means for controlling the motor, and the slat row comprising twoslat holders for holding a slat, each slat holder being connected to aslide which is moveable in height direction in a guide connected to aside board of the bed base, wherein the bed base comprises pressuresensors, connected to the electrical control circuit, for measuring apressure exerted upon the slats and a processor for receiving thepressure measured by the pressure sensors, and for controlling themotors of the slat modules tor minimizing the pressure.
 64. The bedaccording to claim 63, wherein the position of the at least one slat rowis visibly readable from the side of the bed.